MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- Job Title: Fixed-Wing Airframe Mechanic
Unit: Marine Attack Squadron 223
Hometown: Tipton, Iowa
Age: 22
DATE JOINED: OCT. 19, 2009
Working alongside a tight-knit group of fellow mechanics, Cpl. Timothy A. Cromer, a fixed-wing airframe mechanic with Marine Attack Squadron 223, said he knows that without him and his Marines, the squadron’s AV-8B Harriers would not leave the runway.
Cromer works as a collateral duty inspector with his unit, which means he inspects and approves the work the Marines under his charge complete.
However, he said he still enjoys working on the jets, especially the fiberglass and composite components.
“I really enjoy working with my hands,” Cromer said. “I like working with composites. It feels like I am making something out of nothing.”
Cromer deployed to Afghanistan last year, where he said the work was a lot more intense. The Harriers he works on provide close-air support for Marines conducting counterinsurgency operations on the ground.
“The work in Afghanistan is a lot more up-tempo,” Cromer said. “In garrison, you may work to the best of your ability, but there is not much pressure. In Afghanistan though, if you don’t get the jets in the air, the (infantrymen) will suffer.”